Microsoft Revives Flight Simulator

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft Flight Simulator is making a return in 2020 after a 13-year hiatus.
  • The game will be part of a new Xbox streaming service for both consoles and PCs, requiring a $14.99 monthly subscription which includes access to other games.
  • It promises highly realistic graphics, diverse aircraft, dynamic day/night cycles, and challenging weather conditions, allowing players to fly anywhere on the planet.
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After a 13-year hiatus, Microsoft has unveiled a new version of Flight Simulator at its annual E3 conference. It will be released in 2020.  It’s part of a new gaming system for Xbox that will stream games in the console or on PCs. Participants buy subscriptions for access to the game. Although details of the system are scant, a video trailer invites participants to “create your flight plan and fly anywhere on the planet. Enjoy flying day or night and face realistic, challenging weather conditions.”

The trailer shows realistic video renderings with a variety of aircraft, from Cubs to large airliners. “From light planes to wide-body jets, fly highly detailed and stunning aircraft in an incredibly realistic world,” the trailer description says. The subscription, which gives access to a host of other new games, will be available for $14.99.

Russ Niles

Russ Niles is Editor-in-Chief of AVweb. He has been a pilot for 30 years and joined AVweb 22 years ago. He and his wife Marni live in southern British Columbia where they also operate a small winery.
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